What This Question Usually Means
Most people ask this because they want the attorney to quickly understand (1) how the accident happened, (2) what injuries and losses they are dealing with, and (3) whether there are any time-sensitive issues. The goal is not to “prove” your whole case on the first call. It is to give a clear, organized snapshot so the attorney can ask the right follow-up questions and explain possible next steps.
What to Gather for a Case Review
- Basics of the incident: The date (or best estimate), the general location (Durham area is fine), what you were doing right before the accident, and a simple timeline of what happened.
- People and vehicles involved (generic details): Names and contact info for drivers/owners (if known), passenger names (if any), and a list of any witnesses with phone numbers or emails.
- Photos and video: Pictures of vehicle damage, the scene, visible injuries, and any screenshots/links to video you already have (dashcam, nearby camera footage, etc.).
- Report information: Any crash/incident report number, exchange-of-information sheet, or citation information you received (if any). If you do not have the report yet, note who responded and when.
- Injury and treatment overview: A short list of your symptoms, when they started, and the types of care you received (for example: ER/urgent care, follow-up visits, physical therapy). Also note any gaps in treatment and why they happened.
- Medical paperwork you already have: Discharge instructions, visit summaries, work notes/restrictions, and any bills you have received so far (even if they look incomplete).
- Lost time and work impact: Dates you missed work, reduced hours, job duties you could not do, and any basic wage documentation you can access (pay stubs or a simple employer note).
- Insurance/claim info (if available): The claim number, adjuster contact details, and the types of coverage involved at a high level (for example: auto liability claim opened). If you gave a recorded statement, note when.
- Prior issues that may come up: Any prior injuries to the same body parts, prior accidents, or other events after the accident that could be blamed for your symptoms. Sharing this early helps your attorney address it directly.
- Notes about what you told others: A quick summary of what you said to police, insurance, or anyone else about how the accident happened and how you felt afterward. Consistency matters.
What Happens After the First Call
- Initial screening: The attorney (or intake team) usually confirms the date, location, parties involved, injuries, and whether there may be any legal hurdles (for example, disputes about fault).
- Document review: If you have photos, a report, bills, or claim information, those items help the attorney spot missing pieces and identify what should be requested next.
- Next steps: You may be asked to send documents, sign authorizations so records can be requested, and avoid communications that could create confusion (like rushed statements or incomplete timelines). If representation begins, the attorney typically coordinates evidence gathering and claim communications.
How This Applies
Apply to your situation: Because the accident happened in late [DATE] and you requested a follow-up call the next morning, the most helpful thing you can do tonight is write a one-page timeline (what happened, who was involved, and when symptoms started) and gather any photos, report details, and insurance claim information you already have. If you have any visit summaries or bills from early treatment, keep them together so you can quickly describe the care you received and the dates.
Conclusion
You do not need a perfect file to talk with a personal injury attorney in Durham. Bring what you have: a clear timeline, photos, witness contacts, report information, treatment dates, and any bills or work-loss notes. Also be ready to discuss anything that could complicate the story, like treatment gaps or prior injuries. One practical next step is to gather your documents into a single folder (paper or digital) before your follow-up call.
